Description
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1) gene, discovered by the Pinchas Cohen group at the University of Southern California in 2015. Unlike most peptides which are encoded in nuclear DNA, MOTS-c is one of a small family of bioactive peptides encoded directly within mitochondrial DNA, positioning it as a “mitochondrial-derived signaling molecule.” It is studied in preclinical research as an exercise mimetic and metabolic regulator, with reported effects mediated through AMPK pathway activation, glucose homeostasis modulation, and insulin sensitivity enhancement. MOTS-c has been investigated in models of diet-induced obesity, age-related metabolic decline, exercise capacity, and mitochondrial dysfunction across both cell culture and rodent research systems.
Benefits (Research Focus)
• AMPK pathway activation — studied as a primary upstream activator of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling
• Glucose homeostasis research — investigated for insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake endpoints in metabolic models
• Exercise mimetic signaling — explored for endurance and exercise capacity endpoints in preclinical research
• Body composition — examined for fat metabolism and adipose-tissue change in DIO models
• Aging research — researched for resilience against age-associated metabolic decline in aged rodent models
What Researchers Look At
• AMPK phosphorylation and downstream metabolic gene expression panels
• Glucose uptake, insulin sensitivity, and HOMA-IR endpoints in DIO rodent models
• Mitochondrial function markers and oxidative phosphorylation efficiency
• Exercise capacity (treadmill endurance) and skeletal muscle metabolic profiles
• Circulating MOTS-c levels in aging and metabolic disease research
Quick Specs
• Form: Lyophilized white powder
• Net Peptide Content: 45 mg per vial
• Quantity: 1 vial
• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilizate
• Reconstitution: Bacteriostatic or sterile water (added by the end researcher)
• Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
• Identity: MS-verified (per COA)
• Storage: Protect from light
Identity Basics
• Compound: MOTS-c
• Synonyms: MOTSC; Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c
• Class: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); 12S rRNA-encoded; 16 amino acids
• Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR)
• Formula / M.W.: C100H158N32O22S2, ~2174.62 g/mol
• CAS: 1627580-64-6
⚠️ Disclaimer
- This product is intended for laboratory research use only.
- Not for human or veterinary use.
- Not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or medical applications.
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.
COA Verification Notice: Even if the vial label or product image states a certain concentration, always go by the COA for the true verified value. We reference the COA to determine the verified concentration and purity of each product, regardless of what the label or product image indicates.
Janoshik COA — Third-Party Testing
• MOTS-c VPeptide Canada — January 12, 2026
